When you look at today's broad selection of high-definition LCD televisions, you might forget that these sets were prohibitively expensive just a few years ago. Picture quality has improved dramatically as prices have dropped, so in terms of value and performance, LCD HDTVs now give plasma sets a run for their money. In addition, a number of new LCD televisions are capable of displaying content at 1,080p, the highest resolution format currently available to consumers and something only very few (and very expensive) plasma sets can match. Read on to learn about some of our favorite LCD HDTVs.
Panasonic TC-32LX600
The TC-32LX600 builds upon Panasonic's more basic TC-32LX60, producing a sharp high-definition picture at a relatively low price. This attractive 32-inch set measures less than 5 inches in depth and weighs only 43 pounds, so it is a good candidate for mounting on the wall. The TC-32LX600 sports a pair of digital-to-digital HDMI inputs, which provide the best-possible connection with your other digital home theater components.
While it can't match the ultrahigh resolution of the new 1,080p LCD sets, the TC-32LX600 gives you a quality HD picture for a reasonable price. If you are looking for a competent and affordable HDTV (with an MSRP around $1,400) with advanced HDMI connectivity, check out the Panasonic TC-32LX600.
Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N
For a high-definition television that does a lot more than just display your favorite shows and movies, the HP SLC3760N may be the one for you. This 37-inch MediaSmart model combines an LCD TV with a network media player, creating a media center that can present HD programming and stream digital video, photos and even music from your home network. All of these functions are integrated into an innovative and intuitive menu system, so everything is simple to use.
Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV
Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV
With an Ethernet input and wireless capabilities, the SLC3760N, which has an MSRP around $2,000, can connect with almost any home network that uses Windows. This set is also a competent HDTV, giving you a clear and realistic picture. The trendsetting Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N makes it easy to integrate your computer into your home theater system.
JVC LT-40FN97
With the LT-40FN97, JVC offers a high-performance LCD television at a competitive price, with an MSRP at around $2,500. A member of the new breed of 1,080p HDTVs, the LT-40FN97 utilizes JVC's Digital Image Scaling Technology (DIST) to display all incoming signals with exceptional clarity. This set is also packed with useful features, including a PC input for surfing the internet and playing games on the big screen, as well as a QAM tuner and CableCARD slot for digital cable compatibility.
In addition to the PC input, the LT-40FN97 has a number of advanced inputs and outputs, including two HDMI outputs and two FireWire (IEEE 1394) connections. If you are ready to step up to high-definition television, you can't go wrong with the 1,080p picture of the JVC LT-40FN97.
Sony KDL-40XBR2 BRAVIA
For a top-notch HD picture with a host of bells and whistles, take a look at the 40-inch KDL-40XBR2. This high-end XBR member of Sony's BRAVIA LCD series gives you a stunning 1,080p picture punctuated by deep blacks, something with which many other big-screen LCD TVs struggle. The KDL-40XBR2 (which has an MSRP around $2,800) also boasts three HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1,080p sources, so this set would be a great companion for a Blu-ray high-definition disc player.
The attractive KDL-40XBR2 has a transparent surrounding bezel that gives the screen a floating appearance, and a variety of colored bezels are available from the Sony website. This allows you to customize the television to your viewing room, which is sure to please the interior decorator in the family. With its extraordinary picture and stylish design, the Sony KDL-40XBR2 looks great on or off.
Toshiba 42HL196 REGZA
The Toshiba 42HL196 gives you a high-definition 42-inch LCD picture for less than many 40-inch sets. But don't think the 42HL196 is a stripped-down model. This member of the new REGZA line presents a finely detailed 1,080p picture, thanks in large part to multiple image processing functions and Toshiba's Cinespeed XHD LCD panel. Whether you are viewing TV, surfing the internet via the PC input or watching a Blu-ray or HD DVD movie, the 42HL196 won't disappoint.
The 42HL196 has all the useful features of more expensive LCD TVs, including multiple picture-in-picture formats, digital cable readiness and even an Ethernet port for linking with your home network. For high-end features and performance without the high-end cost (an MSRP around $2,300), consider the Toshiba 42HL196.
http://products.howstuffworks.com/lcd-hdtvs-that-provide-a-bowlful-of-fun-article.htm
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
MP3 Players that Bring Media to the Masses
MP3 players are everywhere these days, and the only people who don't sing their praises are the ones who don't own one yet. Apple continues to dominate the market, but there are many fine alternatives to the iPod family of players. If you are shopping for a new MP3 player, here are a few to consider.
Panasonic SV-MP020A
With the SV-MP020A, Panasonic has packed a lot of MP3 player into a tiny blue package. This diminutive unit has an MSRP around $100, 2GB of internal Flash memory for holding MP3 and WMA music files, and Panasonic's D.sound technology restores musical details lost during the digital audio compression process. The SV-MP020A also includes five preset equalization curves and a bass boost, so you can tune the sound exactly as you want it.
The SV-MP020A uses a standard AA battery that will last up to an astonishing 75 hours of playback time, so on the rare occasions that the power gets low, a replacement battery won't be hard to find. If blue isn't your color, the SV-MP020A also comes in white as model SV-MP020W, and pink and white versions with 1GB of memory are available as well.
Panasonic SV-MP020A
Panasonic SV-MP020A
RCA LYRA RD2763
A member of RCA's LYRA lineup, the RD2763 has a few surprises you won't find in many other MP3 players. For starters, this conservatively styled but attractive blue player comes with an FM transmitter that lets you play your MP3 and WMA music over your car's stereo system. Plug the transmitter into your car's power outlet, connect it to the RD2763 and tune the radio to an unused station, and you're good to go.
The RD2763 has an MSRP about $180, but it can't play video or display pictures. It does have a detailed eight-line LCD display, however, that makes navigating your music folders a painless process. Combine that with a 5GB hard drive and a speedy USB 2.0 port, as well as the FM transmitter, and the RCA LYRA RD2763 is a handy, easy-to-use MP3 player.
SanDisk Sansa e270
The well-known digital memory manufacturer SanDisk has a winner on its hands with the Sansa e270. This stylish MP3 player boasts 6GB of Flash memory, and you can increase it even further by inserting micro-Flash cards into the e270's expansion slot. If for some reason you get tired of listening to your MP3 and WMA digital audio files, the e270 has an FM tuner for an added listening option.
In addition to the great audio, this player, with an MSRP around $220, sports a lovely 1-4/5-inch color screen that can show video clips and pictures. SanDisk's Sansa e270 is loaded with features, and if the memory or price isn't right for you, there are also models in the Sansa line with 2GB, 4GB and 8GB of memory.
Creative ZEN Vision
One glance at the Creative ZEN Vision lets you know that this isn't your run-of-the-mill MP3 player. Thanks to its wonderful 3-7/10-inch color display, DivX and MPEG compatibility, 30GB hard drive and even a built-in speaker, the ZEN Vision is an all-in-one digital audio player, portable video player, digital photo viewer and more.
While the screen dominates your first impression of the ZEN Vision, it is the details that make this player great. A CompactFlash memory card slot lets you look at digital photos from your camera, and an adapter is available for different card formats. There is an integrated FM tuner with 32 station presets and the ZEN Vision even has a calendar and appointment lists like a basic PDA. Simply put, Creative's ZEN Vision (with an MSRP around $400) is a multifunctional digital audio and video player that can do it all.
http://products.howstuffworks.com/mp3-players-that-bring-media-to-the-masses-article.htm
Panasonic SV-MP020A
With the SV-MP020A, Panasonic has packed a lot of MP3 player into a tiny blue package. This diminutive unit has an MSRP around $100, 2GB of internal Flash memory for holding MP3 and WMA music files, and Panasonic's D.sound technology restores musical details lost during the digital audio compression process. The SV-MP020A also includes five preset equalization curves and a bass boost, so you can tune the sound exactly as you want it.
The SV-MP020A uses a standard AA battery that will last up to an astonishing 75 hours of playback time, so on the rare occasions that the power gets low, a replacement battery won't be hard to find. If blue isn't your color, the SV-MP020A also comes in white as model SV-MP020W, and pink and white versions with 1GB of memory are available as well.
Panasonic SV-MP020A
Panasonic SV-MP020A
RCA LYRA RD2763
A member of RCA's LYRA lineup, the RD2763 has a few surprises you won't find in many other MP3 players. For starters, this conservatively styled but attractive blue player comes with an FM transmitter that lets you play your MP3 and WMA music over your car's stereo system. Plug the transmitter into your car's power outlet, connect it to the RD2763 and tune the radio to an unused station, and you're good to go.
The RD2763 has an MSRP about $180, but it can't play video or display pictures. It does have a detailed eight-line LCD display, however, that makes navigating your music folders a painless process. Combine that with a 5GB hard drive and a speedy USB 2.0 port, as well as the FM transmitter, and the RCA LYRA RD2763 is a handy, easy-to-use MP3 player.
SanDisk Sansa e270
The well-known digital memory manufacturer SanDisk has a winner on its hands with the Sansa e270. This stylish MP3 player boasts 6GB of Flash memory, and you can increase it even further by inserting micro-Flash cards into the e270's expansion slot. If for some reason you get tired of listening to your MP3 and WMA digital audio files, the e270 has an FM tuner for an added listening option.
In addition to the great audio, this player, with an MSRP around $220, sports a lovely 1-4/5-inch color screen that can show video clips and pictures. SanDisk's Sansa e270 is loaded with features, and if the memory or price isn't right for you, there are also models in the Sansa line with 2GB, 4GB and 8GB of memory.
Creative ZEN Vision
One glance at the Creative ZEN Vision lets you know that this isn't your run-of-the-mill MP3 player. Thanks to its wonderful 3-7/10-inch color display, DivX and MPEG compatibility, 30GB hard drive and even a built-in speaker, the ZEN Vision is an all-in-one digital audio player, portable video player, digital photo viewer and more.
While the screen dominates your first impression of the ZEN Vision, it is the details that make this player great. A CompactFlash memory card slot lets you look at digital photos from your camera, and an adapter is available for different card formats. There is an integrated FM tuner with 32 station presets and the ZEN Vision even has a calendar and appointment lists like a basic PDA. Simply put, Creative's ZEN Vision (with an MSRP around $400) is a multifunctional digital audio and video player that can do it all.
http://products.howstuffworks.com/mp3-players-that-bring-media-to-the-masses-article.htm
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